Patriots Carry Wealth Of Running Back Options Into 2020

The New England Patriots have a strong running back squad, and they are ready for the 2020 season. The list of teams spending more at running back than the New England Patriots isn’t too long. Houston, New York and Los Angeles are the only teams to eclipse the Patriots’ figure of $14.622 entering the 2020 season as confirmed by Spotrac.com.

Each member of last year’s roster returns for the team’s running backs coach Ivan Fears. They combined for 398 carries, 1,557 and 14 touchdowns on the field. There were 120 catches, 1,029 yards and six touchdowns through the air.

However, the longest run broken off by a Patriots back went for 33 yards. For the Rams and Jets, the apex went at 27 and 24 yards respectively.

These three committees averaged under four yards per carry by the end of 2019.

The Patriots’ outside factors went from the loss of fullback James Develin to the offensive line that moved on without center David Andrews.

The Patriots have talented running back options

This will be a completely different chapter for Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden and Damien Harris. They will play with undrafted rookie J.J. Taylor. He stands a 5-foot-5, 180 pounds and comes from the Arizona Wildcats. The undrafted free agent garnered $100,000 in total reported guarantees to sign a deal this spring.

Michel has a playoff record for rushing scores by a rookie two seasons ago. The first-round pick from Georgia had a leading role in his sophomore season. Next Gen Stats report that just eight ball-carriers in the NFL spent less time behind the line of scrimmage than the Patriots’ superstar.

The Patriots have so much to focus on, and the utilization out of the backfield is also a priority. Michel played in every game after being placed on the physically unable to perform list during training camp. Michel crossed into the end zone for seven scores.

White is Michel’s starting complement. The team selected him in the fourth round of the 2014 draft out of Wisconsin. He hit a few pass-catching milestones and was also a Super Bowl safety valve. White is approaching the final stretch of his contract extension.